Michigan residents are invited to attend two upcoming MI Fresh Fish Fry events this summer. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Sea Grant)

Community members across the Upper Peninsula will soon gather to help celebrate and uplift Michigan’s local fisheries during two upcoming MI Fresh Fish Fry events this summer.

Hosted by the Michigan State University Extension – Michigan Sea Grant, the free events aim to connect residents and visitors with the people, traditions and industries that make Michigan fisheries an important part of local communities.

The MI Fresh Fish initiative highlights all fish produced in Michigan — farmed or wild harvested — whether destined for food, bait, stocking, fee-fishing or ornamental products.

“The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders that there are many values to our local fisheries; and that aquaculture, commercial fishing, and seafood processing industries exist in Michigan and that they are not just businesses, but also our neighbors,” Michigan Sea Grant’s website states.

Two Upper Peninsula events are planned for summer 2026:

– Houghton Mi Fresh Fish Fry on Friday, July 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 58 Huron St (just outside the library at Huron Street Waterfront Park).

– Escanaba Mi Fresh Fish Fry on Friday, July 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Escanaba Marina, 17 Water Plant Rd (next to the yacht club).

The events — open to the public — will feature food, cooking lessons, fishing activities and more for the whole family.

Vendors, businesses and organizations are invited to host activity tables highlighting fish, fishing, science, culture or the working waterfront. Organizers said displays were a popular feature at last year’s events and helped connect families and visitors with the people behind Michigan’s fisheries.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with setup, cooking, visitor engagement and vendor support to help create welcoming, community-centered experience for attendees.

Financial sponsors are being sought for both the Houghton and Escanaba fish fries to help strengthen community engagement.

Anyone interested in participating, sponsoring, volunteering or learning more is encouraged to contact Lauren Stigers at the email address jescovit@msu.edu by May 29.

More information about the initiative can be found by visiting https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/mi-fresh-fry.